On July 29, a forest ranger in Duzhenwan Town, Changyang Tujia Autonomous County, discovered a rare and peculiar spider with a tail resembling a copper coin seal, adding a unique species to Changyang’s biodiversity resources.
The spider was observed at the Changyang Bengjianzi Provincial Nature Reserve Administration. According to the administration’s officials, the spider was found on a soil slope behind a residential house in Yangzheping Village, Duzhenwan Town. It was hiding in a small burrow on the slope when its seal-shaped tail, exposed during foraging, caught attention.
The spider, identified as Cyclocosmia ricketti, belongs to the trapdoor spider family (Ctenizidae). Its abdomen resembles a seal, earning it nicknames like “seal spider” or “round seal spider.” This species typically digs burrows along farmland ridges and primarily preys on terrestrial arthropods.
Currently, Cyclocosmia ricketti sightings remain extremely rare. Its discovery in Duzhenwan Town highlights the success of local biodiversity conservation efforts. The spider, also called the “coin trapdoor spider” due to its coin-like tail, was found by a forest ranger behind a house in Yangzheping Village.
“This marks the first recorded discovery of the coin trapdoor spider in Changyang. We plan to keep it under observation to study its behavior and enhance scientific research. Later, it will be preserved as a specimen in our Bengjianzi Nature Reserve.”
Duzhenwan Town
Duzhenwan Town is a charming historical and cultural site located in China, known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and scenic waterfront setting. With a history dating back centuries, it served as an important hub for trade and transportation along its river networks. Today, it attracts visitors for its cultural heritage, ancient streets, and tranquil atmosphere.
Changyang Tujia Autonomous County
Changyang Tujia Autonomous County, located in Hubei Province, China, is a region rich in Tujia ethnic culture and history. It is known for its scenic landscapes, including the Qingjiang River and ancient cave systems, as well as traditional Tujia customs like the hand-waving dance and stilted architecture. The area has a long history, with archaeological findings dating back to the Paleolithic era, including the famous “Changyang Man” fossils discovered in the 1950s.
Changyang Bengjianzi Provincial Nature Reserve
The Changyang Bengjianzi Provincial Nature Reserve is a protected area located in Hubei Province, China, known for its rich biodiversity and pristine forest ecosystems. Established to conserve rare flora and fauna, the reserve is home to endangered species such as the Chinese giant salamander and serves as an important ecological research site. Its history is tied to regional conservation efforts, aiming to balance environmental protection with sustainable development in the region.
Yangzheping Village
Yangzheping Village is a traditional Miao ethnic village located in Guizhou Province, China, known for its well-preserved wooden stilt houses and rich cultural heritage. The village has a history dating back centuries, reflecting the Miao people’s agrarian lifestyle, unique customs, and vibrant festivals like Lusheng and Sister’s Meal Festival. Today, it attracts visitors for its scenic terraced fields, handicrafts, and immersive cultural experiences.
Cyclocosmia ricketti
*Cyclocosmia ricketti* is a species of trapdoor spider known for its unique, disc-shaped abdomen, which it uses to block its burrow as a defense mechanism. Native to parts of China and Vietnam, this spider has a fascinating evolutionary adaptation that helps it evade predators. While not a cultural site, it is notable in arachnology for its distinctive morphology and behavior.
trapdoor spider family (Ctenizidae)
The **trapdoor spider family (Ctenizidae)** consists of medium-sized, burrowing spiders known for constructing camouflaged trapdoors to ambush prey. These spiders have a long evolutionary history, with fossil evidence dating back to the Cretaceous period, over 100 million years ago. They are primarily found in warm, tropical, and subtropical regions, where they play a key role in controlling insect populations.
seal spider
There is no widely recognized cultural or historical site known as the “Seal Spider.” If you are referring to a specific local legend, artwork, or lesser-known location, please provide additional details for a more accurate summary. Alternatively, it could be a mistranslation or a mix of terms—such as combining “seal” (the animal) and “spider” (possibly “spider”)—which doesn’t correspond to a documented place or cultural reference. Clarification would be helpful!
round seal spider
The “Round Seal Spider” is not a widely recognized cultural site or historical landmark. If you are referring to a specific place, artwork, or cultural reference, please provide additional details or clarify the name so I can offer an accurate summary. Alternatively, it might be a mistranslation or a niche term—double-checking the spelling or context would help!
